George Soros Endorses Bill De Blasio For Mayor Of New York City

Posted:
08/06/2013 11:33 am EDT
Updated:
08/06/2013 11:33 am EDT

QIONGHAI, CHINA - APRIL 08: (CHINA OUT) Founder of Soros Fund Management LLC George Soros attends the Boao Forum for Asia at the BFA international Convention Center on April 8, 2013 in Qionghai, China. State and government leaders from Asia and other regions have been invited to attend three-days of economic meetings for the annual Boao Forum for Asia in Boao, a coastal town in south China's Hainan Province. (Photo by ChinaFotoPress/ChinaFotoPress via Getty Images) | Getty

George Soros endorsed Public Advocate Bill de Blasio for New York City mayor on Tuesday.

The billionaire businessman and liberal philanthropist picked de Blasio because of his stance on stop and frisk, according to a statement, among other issues.

“I am endorsing Bill de Blasio for Mayor because I believe he has the talent, vision and ability to lead New York City," said Soros in a statement. “As Public Advocate, Bill de Blasio has promoted concrete policy changes that would mean far fewer innocent New Yorkers are subjected to demeaning police stops while at the same time maintaining reductions in crime. "

“Mr. de Blasio’s commitment to create a truly universal Pre-K and after school system is sound public policy and will have a powerful impact on reducing inequality and improving the lives of generations of New Yorkers. Through his leadership and advocacy on the issue of campaign finance reform, Bill de Blasio has been an important advocate for protecting our elections from the undue influence of special interests. He has helped to mobilize activists and leaders from across the country to fight the impact of Citizens United."

De Blasio, who is now second in the polls behind Christine Quinn, said he was "honored" to get Soros' endorsement.